In DDO the VIP's are NOT able to buy any of the quest packs that they already have access to as VIP. This means that when those adventure packs go on sale the VIP's cannot buy them in preparation of dropping their subscription and becoming Premium. The store tells them "You cannot buy this content you already have access to" or something similar.

This essentially forces VIP's to stay VIP since if they cancel their sub, by the time their sub expires and they CAN purchase the content it is no longer on sale and they'll have to pay full price for it or go back to the VIP subscription. This situation HAS upset many VIP'ers who intend to go Premium some time in the future.

Yes, it works like DDO; if you're a VIP, you can't buy content that you already have access to. If you're planning to drop your subscription at some point, bank your points until then and then wait for things to go on sale again if you want them at a discount! [Patience]

LOTROster 1.4.0 is now available for download. Here is the list of changes in this new version:n NEW: Custom fields. You can have up to 5 custom fields to hold user-entered data (edit access can also be restricted to the administrator on...Click here to read full

LOTROster 1.4.0 is now available for download. Here is the list of changes in this new version:n

• NEW: Custom fields. You can have up to 5 custom fields to hold user-entered data (edit access can also be restricted to the administrator on a per-field basis). Custom fields can contain text, images or clickable links (the last two are restricted to administrators only).
• NEW: Added functions to the configuration interface to delete the activity log or the user claims..
• NEW: Integration with external DKP management tools to display DKP values on your roster. Currently supported: eqdkp and eqdkpplus. Use the 'dkp' field to insert into your roster.
• NEW: EQDKP-Plus authentication support (when used as a Portal)
• MPROVED: Added a fourth optional stats page, to accomodate the addition of new custom fields.
• IMPROVED: The additional stats page no longer require the Extra Data option to be enabled.
• IMPROVED: Dropdown menu will now let you sort by any field, not just by those currently displayed.
• IMPROVED: Destructive database operations in the configuration interface will now request for confirmation.
• IMPROVED: Improved log readability (highlited old/new data, sorted entries)
• IMPROVED: Characters with no extra data (i.e. archived by Turbine) will only be logged as such when logging verbosity is set to the highest level (debug).
• IMPROVED: Removed "Force Update" from the roster menu. You can still force a roster update from the Configuration interface.
• IMPROVED: Can now use Grouped display sorted by username.
• IMPROVED: Code cleanup to help maintaining the code.
• FIXED: Flatfile support was broken on the Win32 platform.
• FIXED: Potential warning when claiming a character.
  
• FIXED: CSS issue with roster header (custom CSS users need to update the .rm_headerrow class in their custom stylesheet)
• FIXED: Tribes level charts now begin at 50 (the lowest level a creep can be)
• FIXED: Warning if using flatfile storage with an empty roster.
  
  More information and the download link can be found at www.lostrealm.ca

While we are counting the days until Lotro Free-to Play start up, I'm also waiting for an e-mail saying my accounts is now a VIP account. (It's an e-mail you've probably got along with the announcement of F2P). But I didn't get the e-mail saying I...Click here to read full

While we are counting the days until Lotro Free-to Play start up, I'm also waiting for an e-mail saying my accounts is now a VIP account. (It's an e-mail you've probably got along with the announcement of F2P). But I didn't get the e-mail saying I was a VIP! My first thought was - Start searching the forum for an answer. And I have dug it up.

You are a VIP member even if your email didn't arrive!  [Patience]

P.S. Make sure you're checking the right account! Don't forget to check your junk mail /spam folder if you have one.

If I'm a lifetime subscriber do I automatically get into the beta? No. It means that your name is already on the list of potential beta testers. [Sapience] Will there be a Free-to-Play Beta and when will it start? Beta starts June 16th on...Click here to read full

If I'm a lifetime subscriber do I automatically get into the beta?
No. It means that your name is already on the list of potential beta testers. [Sapience]

Will there be a Free-to-Play Beta and when will it start?
Beta starts June 16th on Bullroarer server. You can sign up for beta at www.lotro.com/betasignup! [Sapience]

Is there a specific date for beta invites? Has anyone already got the beta invite?
They have not been sent yet. We're still receiving applications and sorting through current players. Don't worry! Beta starts in 9 days. We'll have the first round of invites out in plenty of time for you to download and patch the Beta client. Also, don't be discouraged if you don't get one of the first invites! We'll be sending out invitations throughout the Beta process. Just because you didn't get one at the start doesn't mean you were blacklisted or excluded. [Sapience]

Can Beta invitation expire?
Invitations do not expire. At least, not until beta is over. [Sapience]

I’m a new or returning player. How do I sign up for Beta?
Start by registering at www.lotro.com/betasignup. Turbine’ll select entrants from that list once beta starts.

I’m an existing customer. How do I sign up for the Beta?
Existing subscribers do not need to register to apply for the beta –Turbine’ll randomly invite subscribers who have been active in the last 30 days and have an account in good standing throughout the beta. If you wish to register at www.lotro.com/betasignup that will count as an extra entry and may increase your chance of being selected for participation.
If you sign up you get into both the subscriber and the sign up pools. So you get an extra 'entry'.

Is there any way to increase my chance of getting into the beta?
Sure! Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook! We’ll give out special beta entry codes to our fans via social media - so give yourself the best chance of getting in and make sure to keep an eye on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

Are we under NDA during the beta?
Yes. What happens in beta stays in beta! Once you receive your invitation and apply your beta key to your account, you will have access to the private beta forums. This is the only place to discuss anything you see or do in beta. Remember, the first rule of beta is you do not talk about beta!

Do we have new  area in beta?
Beta includes both Free-to-Play and the Enedwaith region. [Sapience]

Questions about Wardrobe System (feature coming with Lotro Free-to-Play model) and number of the character slots are the most often asked questions. We have collected some official forum answers to these questions and made a list of Wardrobe System...Click here to read full

Questions about Wardrobe System (feature coming with Lotro Free-to-Play model) and number of the character slots are the most often asked questions. We have collected some official forum answers to these questions and made a list of Wardrobe System and Character slots FAQ.

Wardrobe System:

1. What is the "Wardrobe System"?
Wardrobe is a special storage for your cosmetic items. That way they don't take up inventory, bank, vault, or housing storage. [Sapience]
It's expandable to 50 slots, much like shared storage, in 10-slot increments. It's account level, so you buy it once and each character will have their own wardrobe.[Patience]
It is 20 storage slots that holds cosmetic items. There are several things you can do with the items once in storage and some very cool tricks it can do, but you'll need to wait for the dev diary for the full details. [Sapience]

2. Does it save full outfits together or does it let you swap them out into your outfit panels instead of having to drag and drop each item individually?
Sorry, but no. [Sapience]

3.Will current VIPs have to purchase the wardrobe?
VIPs get the wardrobe for cosmetic items included in their subscriptions. [Patience]
The wardrobe is included with VIP subscription, but is also purchasable. [Patience]

Character slots:

1. Will I lose character slots if I maintain my paid subscription?
The benefits and features of the Adventurer's Pack will remain available to you. Whether you are a VIP, Premium player, or Free player, you will get to keep your 2 extra character slots and shared storage bank. Additionally, Mines of Moria and any other added slots will be maintained.

2. Will I lose characters if I downgrade from premium to unpaid, VIP?
Other previously created characters will be visible but not accessible unless you unlock more character slots.

3.What is the maximum amount of character slots achievable?
At any point, you can purchase more character slots in the LOTRO Store, up to 11 character slots per server.

4. Which char's do I lose when I am dinged down to five slots as an automatic VIP?
If you already have 9, you won't lose the extra 4 you already paid for. Whenever someone has more characters than slots, they're asked which characters they wish to put in those slots (one time - you can't change your mind later), which characters get locked is up to you. You never lose your characters. If you don't have enough slots, they'll still be available to put into any slots you choose to purchase. Premium accounts have access to 3 slots, plus any they have purchased with Moria, the Adventurer's Pack, or from the LOTRO Store when it launches.

5. Will my account be disabled if I don't log in for certain period of time?
Characters are never deleted. Your account will never be downgraded for inactivity.[Patience]

There will be three Lotro account tiers once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available: Free player, Premium player, and VIP. All the details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs are listed here. What is a Free...Click here to read full

There will be three Lotro account tiers once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available: Free player, Premium player, and VIP. All the details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs are listed here.

What is a Free player? How will I become one?
Anyone can join the game for free when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available. To get started, simply download the game for free at www.lotro.com. No payment or credit card is required.

1. As a Free player, how much free content can I access?
   As a Free player, you have access to Middle-earth, the greatest fantasy world ever created, and you can play LOTRO's award-winning Epic Story up to level 50! In addition, you have access to the 4 races and 7 standard classes, major game systems, and a lot more options detailed here. And glory is its own reward: as you explore Middle-earth and advance your Hero through quests and achievements in the game, you will earn free Turbine Points that you can redeem in the LOTRO Store to access more options that will enrich or extend your free play.

   At any time, you may also want to purchase Turbine Points in the Store and redeem them to access new items and options to immediately enhance your experience. What matters most with Free-to-Play is your play style and the type of gamer you are. With Free-to-Play, you really play your way.

What is a Premium player? How will I become one?
You are automatically upgraded from Free player to Premium player status with your first purchase of Turbine Points in the LOTRO Store. LOTRO grants all Premium players 2 extra character slots, extends the maximum amount of gold you can carry from 2 gold to 5 gold, and provides you with a higher login priority, more mail and chat options, full access to all of LOTRO's Community features, and 30 days of full customer service from the time of your last purchase.

1. I am a former subscriber to LOTRO. What will Free-to-Play mean for me when I come back to play when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available?
   As a former subscriber to LOTRO, you are always welcome back to join the fight. You will, by default, be awarded the status and privileges of a Premium player, and you can join the game and play for free. You can also visit the new LOTRO Store to browse through a wealth of new items and a la carte options to enhance your gameplay!

   You may also consider becoming a VIP to receive 500 Free Turbine Points automatically every month and gain access to other unique privileges. You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available.

2. I purchased and played LOTRO in the past, but never subscribed to the game. What will Free-to-Play mean for me when I come back to play when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available?
   You will, by default, be awarded the status and privileges of a Premium player and you can join the game and play for free as a Premium player. You can also visit the new LOTRO Store to browse through a wealth of new items and a la carte options to enhance your gameplay! You may also consider becoming a VIP to receive 500 Free Turbine Points automatically every month and gain access to other unique privileges. You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available.
3. I am currently a subscriber to LOTRO. What will happen if I decide to unsubscribe before or after the launch of LOTRO Free-to-Play? What will happen to my characters?
   If you feel the VIP program is not meeting your play style and needs as a gamer and decide you don't want the benefits and features of being a VIP, you will be automatically downgraded to Premium player status when your subscription lapses. You can continue to play the game for free with all the benefits offered to Premium players

What is a VIP? How will I become one?
For a monthly fee, the VIP program offers the best value and the most options for players who like the convenience of having unlimited access to all game content and features. VIP players also receive 500 Turbine Points per month and exclusive benefits like priority access to servers, 5 character slots per server, a 20-slot wardrobe for cosmetic items, full customer service, and much more! You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available. If you are already a subscriber, just maintain your active subscription to be automatically upgraded to VIP!

1. I have a lifetime subscription to LOTRO. What will Free-to-Play mean for me?
   As a lifetime subscriber to LOTRO, you will keep all of your membership privileges and are automatically upgraded to VIP status. You will receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, but you do not have to pay a monthly fee since you are a lifetime member. All you have to do is keep playing the game and visit the LOTRO Store to spend your free points and enjoy the wealth of new a la carte items and options to enhance your game experience.
2. I am a LOTRO Founder. What will Free-to-Play mean for me?
   As a LOTRO Founder, you automatically become a VIP and will keep all of your membership privileges as long as you pay your monthly fee. You will automatically receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, and you can spend the Turbine Points at your leisure in the LOTRO Store to enhance your game experience and keep playing the way you want.
3. I am a regular subscriber on a monthly or multi-month subscription plan. What will Free-to-Play mean for me?
   As a subscriber to LOTRO, you are automatically upgraded to VIP status. You will keep all your membership privileges as long as you keep paying your monthly fee. You will automatically receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, and you can spend the Turbine Points at your leisure in the LOTRO Store to enhance your game experience and keep playing the way you want.
4. Why should I become a VIP? What do I get that a Free player does not?
   As a VIP, you get full access to all of the game's original content and features along with numerous special benefits, such as a higher number of character slots (5 per server), 20 slots of wardrobe storage for cosmetic clothing, full customer service access, priority login, 500 Free Turbine Points every month that you can redeem in the LOTRO Store, and much more, all detailed here. For a monthly fee, the VIP program offers the best value and the most options for players who like the convenience of having access to it all.

Lotro Free-to-Play model will go live with the release of Volume 3, Book 2 this autumn. Volume 3, Book 2 will continue the Volume 3 Epic Story as the Rangers head south. An all new area, Enedwaith, will be available as well as some exciting new...Click here to read full

Lotro Free-to-Play model will go live with the release of Volume 3, Book 2 this autumn. Volume 3, Book 2 will continue the Volume 3 Epic Story as the Rangers head south. An all new area, Enedwaith, will be available as well as some exciting new features and many updates to the game including DX11 support. The question is how much will Volume 3 Book 2 cost? Will it be a free content update or will it be, like Mirkwood, another opportunity to pay for new land Enedwaith?

[A-Patience] For VIPs it will be free. Honestly, I don't know which parts, if any at all, will be Store-only for Premium accounts.

[Q] I was just wondering if the lottery will be discontinued once Lotro F2P starts up. From reading post about the DDO store, a lot of what we get in the lottery is stuff that we will have to buy in the future. [A-Patience] Lotro's lotteries...Click here to read full

[Q] I was just wondering if the lottery will be discontinued once Lotro F2P starts up. From reading post about the DDO store, a lot of what we get in the lottery is stuff that we will have to buy in the future.

[A-Patience] Lotro's lotteries will continue.

New Lotro Beta Free-to-Play model starts June 16 on Bullroarer test server. Bullroarer server will be closed to everyone who is not in the beta test (Turbine will reconfigure Bullroarer to suit its needs). Aside from talking about the new...Click here to read full

New Lotro Beta Free-to-Play model starts June 16 on Bullroarer test server. Bullroarer server will be closed to everyone who is not in the beta test (Turbine will reconfigure Bullroarer to suit its needs).

Aside from talking about the new benefits, latest interviews, boycott and other information, one question arises: how much will Turbine points cost for Lotro Free-to-Play model? Yes we know that we have to wait for the beta to start and then the NDA to be lifted before this information becomes available, but can we make any assumptions? Turbine DDO also has a store, and as such uses Turbine points already. If we assume that Turbine Points will cost the same in both games we should take a look at the list from the DDO store:

DDO TURBINE POINTS
POINT BUNDLE	DESCRIPTION	PRICE (USD)*
420 Points	400 Turbine Points (+ 20 Bonus Points) to use in the DDO Store	$6.50
1,550 Points	1,200 Turbine Points (+ 350 Bonus Points) to use in the DDO Store	$19.50
2,500 Points	1,820 Turbine Points (+ 680 Bonus Points) to use in the DDO Store	$29.50
5,000 Points	3,100 Turbine Points (+ 1,900 Bonus Points) to use in the DDO Store	$49.99

DDO also has sales on a regular basis so you can get points at a reduced rate. If you are interested in the prices of consumables such as potions, items, gear or equipment follow the link to the DDO Store Guide.

Latest Update:
[Q] If I were a monthly subscriber in the beta, would I get the option to have the money spent on beta points go against my subscription fee instead?
[A - Patience] Because of the way the Store and account system are handled, it's not possible to have it work that way. Subscriptions are handled by our billing system and point purchases and transactions are handled through an outside vendor that's integrated via the in-game Store.

You have probably visited Lotro beta free-to-play sign-up page, but if you haven't noticed additional information about free-to-play benefits, we think that you should read this: Anyone can join the game for free as a Free player when LOTRO...Click here to read full

You have probably visited Lotro beta free-to-play sign-up page, but if you haven't noticed additional information about free-to-play benefits, we think that you should read this:

Anyone can join the game for free as a Free player when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available. You will automatically be upgraded from Free player to Premium player status with your first purchase of Turbine Points in the LOTRO Store.

And for a monthly fee, LOTRO's VIP program offers the best value and the most options for players who like the convenience of having unlimited access to all of LOTRO's game content and features. If you are already a subscriber, just maintain your active subscription to be automatically upgraded to VIP!

Here are all the benefits you get when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available:

PLAYER TIER	VIP	PREMIUM PLAYER	FREE PLAYER
TURBINE POINTS	500/month Free (can purchase more) or earn thru gameplay	Purchasable or earn thru gameplay	Purchasable or earn thru gameplay
CONTENT
World Access*	Free	Free	Free
Epic Story*	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Races	4	4	4
Classes	7	7	7
Premium Classes*	Purchasable	Purchasable	Purchasable
Level Cap*	50	50	50
Character Slots*/**	5/server (can purchase more)	3/server (can purchase more)	1/server (can purchase more)
Quest Packs*	Eriador	Ered Luin, Shire, Bree-land (can purchase more)	Ered Luin, Shire, Bree-land (can purchase more)
KEY FEATURES
Inventory	5 bags	3 bags (can purchase more)	3 bags (can purchase more)
Gold Limit	Unlimited	5 Gold (can purchase cap removal)	2 Gold (can purchase cap removal)
Priority Login	Priority	High	Standard
Chat	Unlimited	Limited	Limited
Auction	Unlimited	Limited	Limited
Mail	Unlimited	Limited	Limited
Rest XP	Automatic	Not available	Not Available
Shared Bank**	Purchasable	Purchasable	Purchasable
Skirmishes*	9 (More in Mirkwood Expansion)	4 (can purchase more)	4 (can purchase more)
Legendary Items*	Requires Moria Expansion	Requires Moria Expansion	Requires Moria Expansion
Traits	All	1 or 2 slots per trait type (can purchase more)	1 or 2 slots per trait type (can purchase more)
Crafting*	Tier 1-5 available	Tier 1-5 available	Tier 1-5 available
Crafting Guilds	Unlimited	Limited (can purchase more)	Limited (can purchase more)
Housing	Available	Available	Available
Music	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Hobbies	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Cosmetic System	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Wardrobe	20 slots (can purchase more)	Purchasable	Purchasable
Destiny points	Can earn and spend	Can earn but cannot spend	Can earn but cannot spend
Monster play	Unlimited	Not available	Not available
Community Features	Unlimited	Unlimited	Limited
Customer Service	Full access	Full access for 30 days following the purchase of Turbine points	Self-service online

* Purchasers of the Mines of Moria expansion get access to the Mines of Moria region and content, premium classes (Rune-Keeper and Warden), legendary items feature, Tier 6 crafting feature, 2 extra character slots and a level cap of 60. Purchasers of the Siege of Mirkwood expansion get access to the Siege of Mirkwood region and content, a level cap of 65 and the Siege of Mirkwood skirmishes.
** Purchasers of the LOTRO Adventurer's Pack get 2 extra character slots and 20 slots of shared bank storage across all characters on the same servers.

[Source]